Dr. LL.M. Bianca Lins

How has your degree influenced the way you think, approach problems or develop new solutions?

My studies in banking and financial market law have had a lasting influence on the way I think, not only through the legal expertise I acquired, but above all through the analytical depth and interdisciplinary perspective the programme provided. In such a dynamic and highly regulated environment, one learns not to view legal, economic and technological interrelationships in isolation, but as parts of a larger whole. This has sharpened my ability to analyse complex issues in a structured manner, to make sound decisions even under conditions of uncertainty and to consistently take different interests into account. The close exchange with experts from a wide range of fields, from financial practice to regulatory authorities, further broadened my perspective and helped me to place greater emphasis on practical implementation when developing solutions.

Which skills or perspectives that you acquired at the University of Liechtenstein are most helpful to you today in your professional or personal life?

Even though I am now working in a very different field – at the intersection of space, technology and regulation – I continue to benefit greatly from my studies at the University of Liechtenstein. Precisely because the financial world is closely intertwined with so many other areas – from international markets and technological innovation to political frameworks – a solid understanding of how it functions is useful in almost any strategic context. This knowledge not only creates a better understanding of economic interdependencies, but also fosters the ability to analyse new topics with a structured perspective, even when the actual subject area initially seems far removed.

In addition, my studies sharpened my entrepreneurial mindset. In an environment that values personal responsibility, networking and solution-oriented work, you learn early on to recognise opportunities, act strategically and quickly find your footing in new fields. This openness to new perspectives, combined with a certain level of methodological discipline, helps me not only professionally, but also shapes my personal view of developments that go far beyond my own discipline. I also appreciate many things I learned during my studies in my private life – for example, the ability to explain complex topics clearly or to approach problems in a structured way. This makes many aspects of everyday life easier, whether in family life, voluntary work or conversations with young people who are facing important decisions.

Did you build networks or contacts during your studies that have accompanied you along your path?

Yes, definitely. During my studies, many valuable contacts were established – some of them have lasted, and with some I am now even connected through close friendships. I particularly appreciated the openness among students, as well as the straightforward exchange with lecturers. This atmosphere made it easy to engage in conversation, and from that a network emerged that continues to support me in various professional situations to this day.

What concrete contributions do you make today in your profession or industry that also have a positive impact on the country?
 

Within the competent administrative and supervisory authority, I lead the space sector and have been responsible for establishing this field for Liechtenstein since January 2024. This involves not only developing a legal framework, but also defining the strategic orientation and positioning of the country in a highly dynamic international environment. The space sector is no longer a niche topic – it affects issues of technological sovereignty, digital infrastructure and economic development. For a small, internationally connected country like Liechtenstein, this opens up genuinely exciting perspectives.

My contribution lies in particular in identifying these potentials for the country, building sustainable structures and creating framework conditions that enable innovation while keeping security and sustainability firmly in view. This also includes international cooperation with relevant stakeholders – at both European and global level – to integrate Liechtenstein into key processes at an early stage and to strategically develop areas of cooperation.

To what extent do you see the university as a driver of innovation, research or social progress in the country?
 

The University of Liechtenstein makes an important contribution to the country’s capacity for innovation and future viability – and does so in several ways. It comines research and teaching with a strong practical orientation, creating a space in which new ideas are not only developed in theory, but are also advanced and applied in practice. Especially in a small country like Liechtenstein, where short distances and close networks enable many things, the university acts as a catalyst for exchange, cooperation and interdisciplinary thinking – whether in business, the public sector or broader societal discourse.

On a personal level, I also greatly valued this openness and practice-oriented exchange, both of which accompanied my development and made many topics more tangible.

What career advice would you like to pass on to our current students?

I would advise you to remain open, to new topics, to unconventional paths and to developments that you may not yet have on your radar today. Careers today are rarely linear, and this is precisely where an opportunity lies. Those who are willing to familiarise themselves with new contexts and to take on responsibility are often surprised by where the journey can lead.

At the same time, it is helpful to develop a certain strategic foundation at an early stage, whether in relation to economic interrelationships, regulatory issues or technological developments. Even if you are not an expert in every area, a basic understanding is often crucial in order to make sound decisions.

Last but not least, networks and mentoring play an important role, not in the sense of collecting business cards, but as honest and sustainable exchange. I have personally benefited from people who shared their experiences, and today I try to pass this on to others as well.